Alexander Steele (Head Chef and Co-Owner)

Alex Steel - Manager and Head Chef

2008

June 2008

I can't believe it at just 19 years old I am the co-owner chef of my own restaurant - now I expect the hard work begins - watch this space, but I am sure with my fantastic team to show me the ropes I am sure I will cope !!!


Alex Steel photo

2009

June 2009

When I was growing up friends often referred to me as a cross between "Bart Simpson” and "Jamie Oliver" !! Wacky, fun loving, creative and passionate. I appreciate I am not very old but this last year I have learned so much owning and running the restaurant. I feel privileged to have been brought up surrounded by amazing family and friends, without their help I would not have been able to achieve this chance to fulfil my life changing decision to co-own Ocean Restaurant. I am still striving to reach new heights, I am a passionate chef who is always looking for new ideas. I hope you like our amazing food created by my team and we would love to hear from you.

November 2009

Well a big thank you to my fantastic sister Samantha who for my 21st Birthday secured me a place in the Masterchef Challenge at the BBC Good Food Show exhibition at the Birmingham NEC. (Not sure it was quite the present I was looking for!). Normal rules applied in the Challenge, where you are under pressure to cook with a selection of mystery ingredients in just 30 minutes. It was ultimately down to the innovation and expertise of the contestants to create a brilliant dish that would stand out from the rest. TV presenter Andi Peter's hosted the show, and my dish of Loin of Pork and mustard mash with caramelised pears was picked out and complimented by Masterchef judges John Torode and Greg Wallace. The challenge of cooking in front of a live audience was intensified as the footage was beamed around all the screens at the NEC. "It was a fantastic, if not nerve-wracking experience!”

Alex Steel photo

December 2009

This month I have been working with celebrity chef Nigel Howarth at the renowned hotel Northcote Manor in the Lancashire countryside.

Nigel, described as a great chef with enormous skill and finesse, who has earned a reputation for true terroir and gastronomic brilliance was first awarded the Michelin Star in 1996 and has successfully retained this every year to the present date. Last year Nigel reached the final of BBC2's Great British Menu for the second year in succession, his Lancashire Hotpot was the main course for the occasion, foodie fans will have also seen Nigel on BBC'S Saturday Kitchen and Sky TV's Market Kitchen. I had a fantastic time and proved to be an invaluable experience working with Nigel. It has given me the opportunity to bring some new ideas and flavours back to the restaurant.

December 2009

A well earned break for a few days back home with my family for my 21st Birthday bash !!!


2010

A BIG thank you to all the staff who helped create a fantastic New Years Eve gala dinner - I know all the guests had a memorable evening.

Summer 2010

Our reputation has certainly spread - what a great season. No time off to play.

November 2010

Closed for refurbishment over the winter months. But don't worry I have not been idle - heading off on exciting travels to London, Spain and France to gain inspiration for some fabulous new dishes. However one of my most enjoyable experiences was closer to home. Andrew Rees the restaurant's local meat supplier from Narberth kindly allowed me to spend time with them gaining valuable knowledge about their award winning produce. I would like to thank them for their encouragement and support over the past couple of years.


2011

Spring/Summer 2011

What a fantastic start to the season - the weather down in Tenby has been so hot - With the sea on my door step I have now taken up a new interest of fishing - just in time for Pembrokeshire Fish Week. Check out special events.


Alex Steele sign